You Can Expect PlayStation 4, Xbox One Shortages This Fall

We’re still five months from the release of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and already it looks like there will be widespread stock shortages. Let the grumbling begin.

First, the PlayStation 4. After Sony’s extremely successful press event at last week’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) — in which the company revealed a) a $399 price tag, b) that it won’t restrict used game sales, and c) that it won’t require gamers be online at all times — gamers are feeling good about the PS4.

Photo via pcmag.com

That’s prompted Sony Computer Entertainment of America CEO Jack Tretton to predict that demand for the console may exceed supply.

“Given the technology that [Sony is] offering, given the software lineup, given the price point we have,” Tretton said he wouldn’t be surprised if consumer interest is “in excess of what [the company is] able to manufacture.”

Tretton also said that he was recently informed by GameStop that the video game retailer plans to buy up “every single unit” Sony can produce.

Of course, Sony executives would like nothing more than to see a mad rush at retailers. There’s no doubt they’re hoping the PlayStation 4 can replicate the Nintendo Wii’s 2006 holiday frenzy.

Somewhat surprisingly, it’s also looking like there could be Xbox One stock shortages. Despite Microsoft’s less-than-stellar E3 showing, GameStop reports that it has already reached its pre-order cap for the Xbox One. Until Microsoft makes additional stock available, GameStop says it won’t accept any more pre-orders.